Chapter 21
Mac stood against the bed post with her arms crossed against her chest. She was giving her husband "the look."
As Rod finished buttoning his shirt, he told her, "Mac, I couldn't take it anymore... I tried to be nice, really I did. That man just doesn't let up. He landed in that lake… well,because he deserved it."
"I just can't believe you let him get to you like you did." She began to pace the room. "It was just a game. Who cares if he was cheating? Was it really that important, Rod?"
"It wasn't just the game, even though he's a conniving old man." Rod pointed out, as if it would make any difference to his wife. "From the moment we got out there, all he did was make snide remarks."
"What type of remarks could he possibly make that would justify knocking the man into the lake? An old man, I might add." She shook her head at the absurdity of the whole situation.
Rod ran his fingers through his hair. "About me and my position... or as he called it, my cushy existence and me letting you wear the pants in our relationship."
"Rod," she rested her head in her hands momentarily then looked up at him again, "those are just words. He has no idea what he's talking about. Besides, it's not like you haven't heard the same things hundreds of times."
"You're right, and that's not really what sent me over the edge." Sitting on the bed, he explained, "I can take his incessant jabs at me. But Mac, when he started going after my family… well, that was the last straw."
"What did he say?" Mac stood in front of him now. Her anger had begun to subside. She knew her husband wasn't a violent or hurtful person... although he was a bit emotional sometimes. But that was usually only in situations where she or the kids were involved. Templeton had to have really struck a chord for him to lose it like he had.
Rod sighed. "I know he's just an old man with a mentality dating back to the Stone Age. It was bad enough listening to him throw out every little thing his son has ever achieved and comparing him to Avery… and then implying that their relationship was just a tactic you invented to try and beat him in the election." Just thinking about what else Nathan had said, got him all riled up again. He stood and faced his wife. "But Mac, he also alleged that we used our daughter's miscarriage as a way to gain sympathy and garner votes."
Mac was shocked. How could Nathan even think such a thing? Mac now understood why her husband reacted as he had since they, too, had experienced the grief and pain of losing a child from a miscarriage soon after they were married. Rod had always felt guilty about not really being excited about that pregnancy; and additionally, he still felt guilty for not being supportive to their daughter when she went through the same thing. Feeling herself getting worked up, she realized that she, too, would have thrown the man in the lake if she'd been in her husband's position. It was fortunate, she thought wryly, that it had been him instead of her. He could more easily get away with it.
Mackenzie approached him and ran her hands through his hair.
Rod looked down and met her gaze. She was wearing flat shoes today so he was almost a whole head taller. Her eyes told him all he needed to know... which was that she understood. Wrapping his arms around her waist he pulled her close and bent his head until their foreheads met in their tried and true symbol of unity.
They were still connected like this when a new thought entered her mind. "Rod," she asked with amusement, "how exactly did you end up in the lake with him?"
"That, honey," he told her, "is an entirely different story. Trust me, it's something you'd rather not hear." He hoped that would be the end of it because it really was just too embarrassing to share with anyone.
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"Nathaniel Elias Templeton I cannot believe you said that. You deserved every bit of what you got out on that golf course."
Nathan just sat on the couch in the living room of his and Sara's cabin as she questioned and lectured him on his actions. She was right he was out of line and he knew that, he just got carried away by the effect he was having on Calloway. He would never admit it but it was amusing to him how easily he could anger him. Only this time Rod had managed to give back just as good as he was getting... so he pulled out the one jab he knew would get him. In retrospect it probably wasn't the best idea, but at the moment it was.
"I know Sara. I'll apologize to him later," he said sincerely, hoping it would end this lecture.
"You will not only apologize to him. You will also apologize to the President, to Avery… and to your son. You couldn't leave the politics in Washington, could you?" She shook her head. "You just had to bad mouth Rod's family and then when he tries to help you out of the water you pull him in. Look in the mirror, dear... you aren't a teenager anymore. Both of you need to put these feelings aside and grow up. The children are doing a better job at being civil than the two of you are." She pointed out.
"I promise darling, there won't be anymore fights or incidents like today ... I just don't like this entire situation."
She took a seat next to him and with complete honestly in her tone, "It's not for you to like... for once it's not about you Nathan. And the sooner you realize that, the better."
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After having each spied on their parents during their respective conversations, Joshua was the last one to arrive at the pool. Hejoined Avery, who was laying on one of the pool chairs lost in thought. Taking the seat next to her, Josh took her hand and raised it to his lips holding it there.
Looking up at him, "Are we doing the right thing?" she asked quietly.
He reached for her other hand and helped her sit up. "We're not going to let this get to us, okay?" He moved to sit next to her on her chair.
Their hands intertwined as they leaned into one another. "We know what we have and that's all that matters. If my father can't accept it... then maybe it's best to just cut ties with him."
Avery looked up at him and shook her head slightly. "You can't do that... I know how much you love him and how badly you want him to be supportive. He might be a jack ass but he's still your father."
"He's not worth losing you," Josh admitted.
Avery smiled slightly, "Don't worry, nostunt he pulls is going to get rid of me."
Josh bent his head and kissed her.
Grinning against his kiss, Avery wrapped her arms around Josh's neck and pulled him down on the chair with her. "You know what sucks other than our dad's trying to drown one another?" she asked playfully between kisses.
"What's that?" Josh asked, glad to see her making light of things.
"This whole separate cabin thing... I mean really, my parents have already seen you practically naked."
Josh groaned. "Don't remind me. I still have nightmares about the expression on your father's face. I'm surprised he didn't have the Secret Service throw me out... or even worse, string me up from the North Portico in my boxers. "
"He would have if Mom hadn't shown up when she did. I think she was amused." Avery grinned.
Josh blushed slightly. "I would be a happy man if we never have a repeat of that morning."
"Ah, yes that morning wasn't fun… but the night before, that deserves an encore," Avery declared, before pulling him down to meet her lips again.
As the two began to enjoy the first intimate moment they'd had in days they were interrupted once again, but this time not by Amy, but by Kate.
"If you two wouldn't mind coming up for some air, I just wanted to let you know dinner is ready."
"We'll be right there, grandma," Avery said completely embarrassed.
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Before sitting down to dinner, Nathan and Rod each apologized and assured everyone they would be on their best behavior. They were both very quiet during dinner and right after desert excused themselves, claiming fatigue.
Later that night when everyone was in bed Avery decided to try and sneak into Joshua's bedroom. She quietly opened the door of the Templeton's cabin and began to walk through the living room, praying she didn't knock anything over and wake everyone up.
"Third door on the left," Avery whispered to herself as she paused trying to pick the right door.
"That's an empty room dear," came a familiar voice. Sara turned the lights on and grinned at the deer in the headlights look her son's girlfriend had on her face. "Josh's room is down the hall. That is who you were looking for, right?"
"Uh, I was..." she muttered surprised.
Sara took a seat on the couch. "He's not in his room," she said offering the spot next to her to Avery.
"He's not?" Avery asked confused as she sat beside her.
Sara smiled, "Seems he had the same idea you did. I saw him sneak out of here just a few minutes before you did. You must have just missed each other."
Avery couldn't help but laugh at their amusing attempt that completely backfired.
"I'm sorry, Mrs. Templeton. I'll just leave and let you get some sleep."
"Nonsense, please stay for a few minutes. I'm glad we have a moment alone to chat."
Avery stiffened, nervous at the thought of what exactly she wanted to talk about.
"Don't worry." Sara smiled reassuringly. "It's nothing bad... I see how you are with my son and I have to tell you, I hope he is smart enough not to let you go."
"Really?" Avery chuckled, a bit taken back.
"Yes, really..." she patted the younger girl's hand. " I know Nathan is giving you a hard time and trust me I've been doing my best to get him to mind his own business. But well, Nathan is Nathan… and hard headed as the day is long. He'll come around in time. And I want you to know if there is anything you need... you know if Josh, too, is being bullheaded or you just need some back-up, you just give me a call. Trust me, I know how to handle both father and son."
"Thank you Mrs. Templeton." Avery said with a genuine smile .
"Please call me Sara... Now why don't you go try and find my son before your father catches him."
Avery laughed, "Good idea."
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Josh sneaked in through the kitchen door of Aspen lodge. He saw all the lights were off and figured everyone was in bed. He was wrong. Just as he shut the door behind him the lights came on. Turning slightly afraid to see who was there.
He sighed relieved. "Oh Amy, it's just you."
"What are you doing?" she asked amused.
"I uh… I left my jacket here during dinner and came to get it," he lied.
She grinned amused. "No you didn't. You had it on when you left. "
He rolled his eyes, not terribly amused to be called-out by a six year-old. "Oh, okay I forgot. Thanks I'll just leave now."
"Can you make me some milk?" she asked climbing up on a chair.
"Why don't you get Avery to make some for you?"
"She never get's me milk. Daddy makes me milk. I'll go get him," she replied hopping of the chair.
"No!" he yelped. "No, it's okay I'll make it."
"Amy, what are you doing?" Mac asked walking into the room, first glancing at her daughter and then at Joshua.
"Joshua is making me milk. He came to get his jacket that he wore when he left." Amy smiled proudly.
Mac couldn't help by chuckle. " Why don't you go jump into bed and I'll bring you some milk in a minute. I want to have a talk with Josh."
Amy gave Josh a mischievous look before leaving the room.
"Madame President, I'm so sorry I just..."
"You just snuck in to my cabin to see my daughter?" Mac's tone was serious and serious in a no nonsense presidential tone.
Not able to get out of this one Josh shyly admitted, " Yes ma'am, I did."
"Well," she walked to the fridge and took out the milk carton, " you seem to have missed her."
Grabbing a plate of cookies left over from desert and pouring each of them a glass of milk, she motioned for him to sit down.
"Unfortunately for you, it seems Avery had the same idea. Maybe next time you guys can fill one another in on the plan, it's a lot more effectual that way. Besides, good communication is important to any relationship," she joked.
A bit of blush crept on Joshua's cheeks. " I should head back before..."
"Before Rod wakes up?" She shook her head. "Trust me, he's out for the night... And actually I was hoping to speak with you."
"With me?" he almost choked on a piece of cookie.
Mac smiled. "Relax, don't think of me of the President, just think of me as Avery's mother.
"Ma'am, no offense... but right now I'd rather be speaking with the President than with one of her parents."
Mac genuinely laughed. That wasn't a sentiment she heard expressed very often. "Nothing to worry about, Josh... provided you don't hurt her in any way. If you do, then I'm afraid I really won't be responsible for Rod's actions."
"Ma'am..." he interrupted " I would never hurt her. I love her. We'vebeen through a lot and that was before we even got together and all it's done is bring us closer... and frankly if dealing with our fathers' opinions of our relationship hasn't made a wedge in our relationship then I think we can withstand anything." he said truthfully.
"I certainly hope so." Mac nodded.
" Hopefully twenty or thirty years down the road we can look back and laugh at all that's going on now."
Mac raised a brow, "So you see yourself with my daughter that far into the future?"
Joshua paused trying to read her expression. Figuring the best thing would be just to speak what he really felt. " Yes ma'am, I do. It's true what they say when you know you've met the right person, you just know... I knew the moment I saw her in that coffee shop."
Mac grinnedthinking about her own relationship with Rod. "Well, it might have taken Avery a bit longer to figure it out, but I think she's got it now."
Avery shyly walked in through the door disturbing the bonding moment between Mac and Josh.
"Lock yourself out of your room, honey?"Mac quipped.
Avery gave her mother a 'I give up' look and Josh got up and joined her by the door.
"Are you mad ?" she asked.
"No." Mac shook her head. " I knew you were up to something . You are my daughter after all. You don't give up without a fight... and you were pretty noisy when you snuck out." Mac smiled. " I'll let you two say goodnight."
"Goodnight ma'am, thanks for the cookies."
"Anytime Joshua. Goodnight, kids."
Mac left the room and Avery looked off at her mother and then back at Joshua. "She gave you cookies?"
"Yeah and milk. We had a good talk," he said not realizing what simply having cookies meant in this family.
" She got you." Avery grinned and Josh looked at her confused. " She gives you some cookies and you spill all your secrets and thoughts right out. Works every time."
"Is that good or bad?" he asked.
"Very good" she said playing with his shirt collar. "You're lucky, you know. Some don't get the privilege of cookies until they prove worthy enough. It took Nora a long time before we let here near them. And we only do that when Dad's not around."
He laughed. "I'm honored. How about the next time we each come up with an escape plan, we fill the other in on it?"
"I think that's a good idea. I'm not to sure you mom wants to see me creeping through the living room talking to myself again."
"I'm sure she got a kick out of it."
"She did. We had a nice chat. She said anytime you act like a pain I should give her a call and she'll take care of it," she teased.
"Really? Well, I'm not the only one making good impressions tonight, am I?" he teased back.
"Guess not. What exactly did you and my mom talk about?"
"Sorry, can't tell you. It's confidential"
Avery smacked his chest lightly. "I'll find out, you know."
Josh smiled, "No doubt you will, just not tonight... I should get out of here before I have another run in with Amy or worse your father."
Avery laughed, " Okay, I'll see you in the morning." Opening the door to let him out she leaned against it .
Josh bent down and kissed her softly, "First thing."
Avery shut the door and leaned against it sighing happily.
"Planning on coming off cloud nine and joining the rest of us here in reality?" Mac asked pulling Avery out of her moment.
"I thought you went to bed?" Avery asked moving next to her mother.
"I forgot Amy's milk, She won't go to sleep without it."
Avery nodded understanding.
"He's a good man."
"You really think so?"
"Yes, I do. It's obvious he loves you... and he loved your grandmothers cookies, too," Mac joked.
Avery laughed. "Always a plus. I'm glad you're okay with this, it means a lot to me."
"I know it does and don't worry about your father, he'll come around all the way soon enough."
Avery just nodded. Although the weekend didn't come off as perfectly as they'd hoped, new bonds had been formed that she knew would prove helpful in the future.
